News/Blog

  • recycled bits and money off

    We’ve got some old bottle bits in our polyethylene lampshades. Very funny and quite nice, and you can get them on the products page -look for ‘ethical’ in the product name.

    Also, there’s 10% off everything ordered before 25th December, oh merry christmas!

  • Springtime

    I’d love to design some easter eggs but I haven’t…so don’t buy my easter eggs!
    On the other hand, do go and boil some eggs, dress them up and roll em down a hill. Then eat them if they’re not all dirty.
    I might take a photo of mine before I roll it…

  • It's getting easier...

    So the samples are on their way of the Shell and the Flair lampshades in frosty recycled polypropylene! When we get them there’ll be some testing and watching and wondering. Here’s hoping that they’ll be LOVELY! But until then we’ve got other new products, -the hardlyusinganything recycled paper shades, and luxurious but very natural wool-felt ones. They’re flat pack too, so they don’t use a lot of the world up and they don’t use a lot of the lorry up either.

  • In situ

    Send a really lovely photograph of a one foot taller lamp or shade, sitting in its place, and if I can use it in the website you’ll get paid with a one foot taller product sent to your door. You can email the photo, bigger than 1MB but smaller than 2MB, to mail@onefoottaller.com. Don’t go sending 10MB at once cos they’ll all get into trouble in the world wide web queues and I’ll get a bit narky.

    Katty

  • Delivery

    You can place an order in this site for delivery to EU countries and Switzerland. IF your order doesn’t go through because your country doesn’t come up at the checkout, we’re SORRY! Please send an email with details of the order you’d like to place, and we’ll send you a quote, including delivery, by email.

  • China Lamp

    They have a lovely peaceful light and are made from fine porcelain, but I don’t want them here in boxes (and I have a couple in the house), so 30% off their normal price for a couple of weeks…

    China_lounge_rgb_340px
  • Lamps n lampshades n design n that

    Thanks for nearly finishing off the China Lamps… that spring cleaning feeling… it’s always handy in August.
    There are a couple of websites I like the look of for buying things, -contemporary eco rock n roll kids clothes at peaceandjam.com (but no, haven’t bought any yet) and very nice eco-loads-of-stuff: glassware, lighting, accessories, household decoration stuff, playthings and all sorts at ecocentric.co.uk. They both seem good solid places to buy good solid products … which have materials conscience, often some elegance, the odd bit of wit, and sometimes longevity. It’s fabulous to have all of them, though not very common. Two or three do me, if they’re the right two or three.

  • "Recycled ... recyclable"

    Why do people call their products “recyclable”? It confuses me… surely everything is recyclable if you try hard enough, (even if it’s made of 4 different materials using different sorts of processes, half of them are moulded together and you need 15 types of screwdriver to undo them from each other and then they need to be chipped up and bound together with something else). I don’t see why folk (yes I MIGHT have done it) have called their materials “recyclable” as well as recycled. Feel free to let me know…

  • Howden Park Centre

    West Lothian’s new centre for arts events and activities is by all accounts a roaring success. One Foot Taller got in on the act by designing for the West Lothian Youth Theatre’s foyer spaces. The rich results are a nesting cluster of steel and leather mounds, -each one unique in form, hand made with the utmost care and tailored to suit the flexible nature of the space. Also specifically designed for the space along with acclaimed architects Nicoll Russell Studios is a sunken ‘snug’ area with all sorts of informal steps and seats which can also act as an amphitheatre.

    Le nouveau Centre des Arts ‘Howden Park Centre’ a été un franc succès.
    Dans le nouveau bâtiment, nous avons eu l’opportunité de créer des meubles pour l’espace de West Lothian Youth Theatre. Nous avons crée des petits monticules, chaqu’un unique, construits en grillage acier élégant avec des coussins plats en cuir d’haute qualité.
    Nous avons aussi crée une espace intime et comfortable pour le groupe. Ils peuvent discuter et même jouer des pièces de théâtre dans le petit amphithéâtre.

    Howdcross
  • About One Foot Taller

    One Foot Taller is a product design company, specialising in the design and supply of lighting and furniture. We were established in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1995, and since 2007 also have a studio in Saint Plancard, France.

    We employ local manufacturers predominantly, often use new materials and processes along with traditional and recycled ones, and are focussed on sustainability.

    OFT also design on a commission or consultancy basis for a range of companies, organisations and private clients, working on projects ranging from industrial products, to sculptural pieces produced on a one-off basis.

    Katty Barac runs the company – designing alone or with esteemed colleagues. As well as completing many design projects since 1995, she tutors for the Glasgow School of Art, and contributes to graduate mentoring projects whenever possible.

    ‘I believe in longevity, simplicity and sustainability.
    Although these elements could and should be incorporated into the design of elegant, affordable, lifelong products, -everyday things that strike a chord with people who use them, it seldom happens. As a designer, I strive to achieve this. And sometimes I manage to do so. ‘

  • Handmade on Etsy

    I’ve taken the notion to make a few things by hand… check em oot on Etsy

  • What do you think of coasters?

    Do you use them, do we need them, should they exist? Do they protect your tables efficiently, adding an interesting distraction to daily life, or do they clog up cupboards and drawers wishing they were more useful, dreading the next spring clean? Send a message with your thoughts by pressing the email address below, or else I’ll just have to make some and be done with it …

  • Bit of history...

    One Foot Taller is a product design company, specialising in the design and supply of lighting and furniture. We were established in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1995, and since 2007 also have a studio in Saint Plancard, France.

    We employ local manufacturers predominantly, use new materials and processes along with traditional and recycled ones, and are focussed on sustainability.

    We also design on a commission or consultancy basis for a range of companies, organisations and private clients, working on projects ranging from industrial products to sculptural pieces produced on a one-off basis.

    Katty Barac runs the company. As well as completing many design projects since 1995, she tutors for the Glasgow School of Art and contributes to graduate mentoring projects whenever possible.

    ‘I believe in longevity, simplicity and sustainability. Although these elements could and should be incorporated into the design of elegant, affordable, lifelong products, -everyday things that strike a chord with people who use them, it seldom happens. As a designer, I strive to achieve this. Sometimes I manage to do so. ‘


    Projects:
    2011
    ‘Gentle Distraction’ pot stands and coasters.
    Experimentation with recycled plastics for existing OFT products.
    Lighting for Marks and Spencer ‘Refresh’ Cafés.
    New waterjet-cut aluminium lighting for Appartamento Lago, Milan.

    2010
    Lighting for AL Furqan Mosque.
    Lighting for Caerphilly Hospital.
    Lighting for Supertonic Ltd.
    ‘A million mobiles’ installation.
    Designed ‘old and f(l)at forever’ products for One Foot Taller
    Fastening products with Agripa Ltd.

    2009
    Special commission lighting for Buschow Henley Architects, St Benedict’s School.
    Lighting for Marks and Spencer ‘Refresh’ Cafés.
    Fastening products with Agripa Ltd.

    2008
    Theatre foyer interior including nesting ‘Creel’ mound seating, WLYT, Howden Park Centre
    Lighting products for One Foot Taller
    Special commission lighting for SCHOOL

    2007
    Lighting for Glasgow Science Centre
    Lighting products for One Foot Taller
    Lighting for Lighting Sensations Ltd
    Lighting and electronics housings for Graven Images Ltd
    Paper media display products for Direct Distribution Ltd
    Lighting for Page and Park Architects
    Special commission lighting and shelving for GB Library Services.

    2006
    Polly Lampshade and floor lamps, for One Foot Taller
    Cube lamps, for One Foot Taller
    Lighting for Graven Images, -various public buildings
    Lighting for Gareth Hoskins Architects, -The Bridge
    Public seating for wireless lounging, Princes Square

    2005
    Interior lighting and furnishings, -The Local
    Lighting for Graven Images, -The Opal Lounge
    Lighting for Graven Images, Glasgow
    Carol bench for One Foot Taller
    Design for toilets, Elgin High School, and ‘Flat’ project
    Domestic interiors for private clients
    Fastening systems for Agripa Ltd

    2004
    Lighting for various projects for Ultimate Leisure Ltd
    Domestic lighting for Marks and Spencer PLC
    Interior design for The Botanic House Hotel
    Fastening systems for Agripa Ltd

    2003
    Storage for Habitat UK
    Storage for Marks and Spencer PLC
    Domestic interior with Timorous Beasties for private client
    Outdoor seating for Grounds for Play
    Fastening systems for Agripa Ltd.

    2002
    Domestic interior with Timorous Beasties for Oceanic Developments
    Fastening systems for Agripa Ltd.

    2001
    The Arches, collaboration with award winning design company Timorous Beasties.
    Fastening systems for Agripa Ltd.
    Domestic product for Plastic Mouldings Ltd, Glasgow
    Ethel lighting range, for One Foot Taller

    2000
    Jelly chair for Benchmarks exhibition, Glasgow.
    Product, graphics and packaging for ‘ice-box’ – not yet public.
    Electrical kitchen product designed for MJD investments.
    Interior of SOBA bar and restaurant, Glasgow

    1999
    China Lamp
    Interior of ‘Strata’, Glasgow. Collaboration with Timorous Beasties, Glasgow
    Rotationally moulded armchair and sofa for Homes for the Future exhibition
    ‘Ravine’ rotationally moulded chair for Nice House, Glasgow. Supported by Glasgow Design
    Console for Millenium Dome, Greenwich. Collaboration with Graven Images, Glasgow

    1998
    Pup chair for Timorous Beasties, Glasgow
    Products for The Albion Hotel, Miami
    Museum fixtures and fittings for MKW Design Partnership, Edinburgh
    Design of chasm chair for Nice House, Glasgow
    Museum handset for Audio Visual Consultants, Edinburgh
    ‘Glasgow 1999’ exhibition stand for 100% Design

    1997
    Products commissioned by Lunch @ Exmouth Market, London
    Project for Habitat UK, designing two ranges of kitchen storage

    1996
    Customised One Foot Taller products for travelling exhibition for Graven Images, Glasgow
    Display products for The Body Shop International Plc

    1995
    Ashtrays and salt and pepper shakers for Shimla Pinks restaurant, Solihull
    Concept design for staff uniforms for Mecca Bingo, Glasgow
    Design and installation of a bar as well as supplying One Foot Taller products for Java, Glasgow

    Academic:

    2012
    Tutoring BA Hons and ME Des Product Design students at Glasgow School of Art, since 1996.
    Design workshops for school students, ‘Make it in Scotland’, 2002-2006
    Advisor: Mentoring projects, since 2003: Nesta Pioneer Programme, UK wide; Insight Out Programme, Glasgow; Difference by Design Programme, Stoke on Trent; CEO, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
    Design workshops for teachers and school students, with The Lighthouse, Glasgow, 2001-2007.

    2001
    Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum, design workshop for ‘Design Directions’, ‘UK with NY’ festival

    2000
    Lighthouse, Glasgow: International design workshop for schools students
    Cooper Hewitt, New York: Design workshop for school teachers

    1998 to 2000
    Annual one day lecturing at Duncan of Jordanstone College, Dundee
    Part-time tutoring at Cardonald College, Glasgow for HND and NC Product Design courses

    Exhibitions, awards, events:

    2010
    Lago apartment exhibition, Milan. Show from April – Dec 2010
    2009
    Maison et Objet exhibition, Paris.
    2008
    The Scottish Show exhibition: Lausanne, Switzerland.
    2007
    The Scottish Show exhibition 2007. The Lighthouse, Glasgow.
    Design for China press conferences and talks: Beijing and Shanghai
    2005
    The Scottish show. The Lighthouse, Glasgow.
    Discussion panel with Jay Osgerby, Colin Burns and Arnout Visser on The Future of Furniture
    Design. The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.
    2004
    Reception at Buckingham Palace, The Best of British Design.
    The ‘Summer Garden’ exhibition. The Lighthouse, Glasgow .
    The Scottish Show exhibition. Designers Block, London.
    The Scottish Show. Exhibition, Milan.
    Communicating(By)Design conference, Brussels. Talk on Design work for NiceHouse.
    2003
    Big Brother 3: Ravine and Canyon Chair used for programme.
    2002
    Designers Block exhibition, Milan
    2001
    Made in Scotland exhibition. National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.
    Home Alone exhibition. The Glasgow Art Fair.
    British Design exhibition, Stockholm
    2000
    Chasm chair on exhibition. Design Museum, London.
    Crafts Council: Industry of One Exhibition, London.
    Spot On Exhibition, travelling.
    Milan Fierra.
    1999
    Discussion with David Mach on ‘Art versus Design’, The Glasgow Art Fair.
    Peugeot Design Awards winner.
    Millennium Product Status given to Chasm chair.
    Canyon chair. Homes for the Future exhibition, Glasgow.
    Glasgow Collection, various exhibitions and projects.
    One Foot Taller exhibition. The Lighthouse, Glasgow.
    Lost and Found exhibition, British Council.
    1998
    100% Design: Blueprint Editor’s award
    UK Style Exhibition
    Totem Design exhibition, New York
    British Council showcase on British Design, Prague
    UK Style Exhibition
    1997
    Shiny and New exhibition, San Francisco
    1996
    Start Up of The Year Awards, award for Innovation, The Glasgow Development Agency
    1995
    Conran and Liberty awards for best exhibition stand at the Autumn Fair Birmingham.

    Published – press, web, tv, radio:
    (2011) Mimomito
    Espiedonetsy
    Oh The Places We Will Go
    (2010) We Love Indie
    All Things Paper
    Le Petit Journal
    Candis
    Elle Decoration
    (2009) The Scotsman
    Homes and Interiors Scotland
    La biotifull life de miss violette
    (2008) Creative Loves Company
    (2007) Space Magazine (China)
    Trend Magazine (China)
    Uptown
    Dernieres Nouvelles D’Alsace
    (2006) The Sunday Herald Magazine
    Routard Magazine
    (2005) Design Report
    Lufthanza Magazine
    Elle Decoration (Germany)
    Times Online
    (2004) The Sun
    Scotland on Sunday
    The Scottish Sun
    Elle Decoration South Africa
    The Herald Magazine
    (2003) Evening News
    (2002) Weekend FT
    Conran Live It
    Big Brother (TV)
    (2001) The Scotsman Magazine
    The Guide, The Guardian
    Go
    The List
    Blueprint
    Desire Delight Design
    The List
    The Sunday Times
    Building Design
    Design Week
    The Observer Urban Walks
    The Herald
    Frame Magazine
    The Guardian Weekend
    Elle Decoration
    The International Design Yearbook
    (2000) Lost and Found
    ZOO
    I. D.
    Evening Standard
    Conran Octopus: Contemporary Furniture
    Level
    IKEA Room
    MTV UK (TV)
    The Scotsman
    (1999) Axis
    Elle Decoration Germany
    i-D
    You Magazine
    Scotland on Sunday
    Design Week
    Garnethill Guardian
    The List Eating and Drinking Guide
    Space, The Guardian
    Styletribes (TV)
    Evening Standard
    The Herald
    Time Out
    Living Etc
    The Guide, The Guardian
    Elle Decoration
    Scotland on Sunday
    Elle Decoration
    Theme Magazine
    Scotland on Sunday
    Sunday Herald
    Design Week
    The List
    The Guardian
    The Sunday Times
    Scotland on Sunday
    Arbitare il Tempo, Mostre di Sperimentazione e Ricerca
    Blueprint
    The Glasgow Collection book
    Building Design
    Interior Designer
    Surface
    Metropolis
    (1998) Financial Times
    May Wallpaper
    Sep Axis
    Sep The Herald
    Nov New Woman
    Nov The List
    Nov You Magazine
    (1997) She
    Elle Decoration
    The Herald
    Perfect Home
    Kitchens Bedrooms and Bathrooms
    Esquire
    The Record
    Independent on Sunday
    Design Drum
    The Sunday Times
    (1996) Glasgow Festival of Visual Arts Programme
    Marie Claire
    Elle Decoration
    Homes and Interiors Scotland
    Evening Times
    Space catalogue
    d2
    Why Design
    (1995) The Glasgow Technologist
    Gifts International
    Design Week

  • Etsy

    Handmade things, – do have a look on Etsy

    Voir mes autres realisations manuelles sur le site Etsy

    Maude
  • Ethel ...100% recycled BLACK...100% recyclé NOIR

    Oh yes… recycled lighting. This lampshade is durable, elegant, goes either way up and is made in Scotland.

    Ethel Abat-jour 100% polyethylene recyclé… c’est durable, elegant, réversible et fait en Ecosse.

    100recycethelweb
  • Elle Magazine FR

    Durable, playful and elegant, -ta very much!

    Écologique, ludique et élégant, -merci!

    Ellejan2012sm
  • Newsletter!

    For a wee hello when I’ve got something to show n tell!

    Sign up…

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    Newsletter! Abonnez-vous à la newsletter pour connaître les nouveautés de One Foot Taller!


    je m’inscris à la newsletter

  • je ne sais quoi

    Candlestands and salt and pepper pots in a lovely blog this week…

    Photophores salière et poivrière sur un joli blog cette semaine…

    Unjenesaisquoi06072012
  • Merry Christmas n Happy New Year

    Hello!

    I hope you’re having a lovely cosy big December holiday!

    Me too! There won’t be much other than annoying automatic replies coming from One Foot Taller soon, – don’t expect a real person’s response after 20th December or until 9th January 2013…

    Do send emails, feel free to place orders, they’ll get lots of attention in January!

    Best wishes for the end of this and all of next year, Katty